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Virus and Malware Removal

Malware (mal´wãr) (n.) Short for malicious software, malware refers to software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse. This pages talks about malware and virus removal on Windows computers, for information on Macintosh, please see Macintosh Adware Removal.

Signs of Infection

Malware and virus infections can cause symptoms issues and problems ranging from mildly annoying to catastrophic.

Taking into account privacy, security and functionality, the best and only option to guarantee removal of malware and virus infections is to reformat your hard drive and re-install windows.

Signs and Symptoms of an infection can include:

Poor Machine Performance

Pop Ups

Networking Issues

Browser Homepage and Toolbar Changes

Browser Navigation Being Redirected

Programs Starting Automatically

Security Program You Never Installed Running

Security Solutions Being Disabled

Removal Instructions

Taking into account privacy, security and functionality, the best and only option to guarantee removal of malware and virus infections is to backup your data, reformat your hard drive, and re-install windows.

Steps For Attempted Removal

The Technology Helpline staff is available during regular hours to help and assist with the removal of malware and viruses from personally owned computers. Please stop by the Technology Helpline, Olin First Floor, for help. Institutionally owned machines will be re-imaged if infected.

Duplicate Security and Antivirus Software Packages

Having more than one antivirus or security package installed will impact machine performance and may result in infections.
Action: From the Programs and Features Control Panel look for and uninstall if more than one (in reverse order of installation)—Symantec Anything, Norton Anything, Kaspersky, AVG, McAfee, Avast, BitDefender, Avira, Trend.

Installing Malwarebytes Software

Gustavus Technology Services recommends using Malwarebytes for malware removal. Download and install the free version from:Malwarebytes.org. The Malwarebytes installer is also available on the Rescue CDs at the Helpline.
Launch Malwarebytes and run updates. You will need a working internet connection for this.

Run Full Scan with Malwarebytes in Safe Mode

When booted in safe mode, launch and run a full scan with the Malwarebytes applicaiton. This scan may take hours to complete. After the scan is complete - remove any found issues or problems, reboot and scan again in safe mode.

Run a Full Scan with Your Antivirus Application in Safe Mode

When booted in safe mode, launch and run a full scan with your antivirus application. After the scan is complete - remove any found viruses or problems.

Remove Malicious or Unwanted Software

Check the Programs and Features Control Panel for any unwanted or unknown software. Sorting by date can help identify a group of unwanted applications that maybe have been accidentally installed together. Select the application you wish to remove and click uninstall. Reboot after removal.

Steps for Continued Safe Computing

Windows Updates

Windows Updates are patches and fixes released by Microsoft to improve and protect the operating system. For more information regarding Windows Updates, please see: Windows Updates. Configuring your machine to automatically apply updates is recommended.

Browser Updates

Verifying that your browsers are current and up to date will help keep your browsing experience safe and infection free. Most browsers will automatically check for updates from the About option in the Menus.

Browser Plugin Updates

A browser plugin adds functionality to your browser. Some of the most popular are Adobe Flash and QuickTime Player. Plug ins must be updated and kept current. To check your plugins visit - Plugin Check. Update any outdated plugins.